What might an employer assess during a stress interview?

During a stress interview, an employer primarily focuses on behavioral responses under pressure. This type of interview is designed to evaluate how candidates handle challenging and stressful scenarios, as well as their ability to think on their feet. The reasoning behind this approach is that the workplace can often present high-pressure situations, and employers want to ensure that potential employees can manage stress effectively, maintain composure, and make sound decisions.

Candidates may be subjected to tough questions, unexpected challenges, or critical feedback to observe their emotional and psychological reactions. This assessment gives employers insight into the candidate's resilience, problem-solving skills, and overall demeanor in stressful environments, which are crucial for roles that involve high-stakes decision-making or require a calm approach to avoid panic in difficult situations. Thus, understanding how a candidate behaves under pressure is vital for determining their suitability for a position that may involve such demands.